formality

[fawr-mal-i-tee]

noun

plural

formalities 

1. condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.

2. rigorously methodical character.

3. strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.

4. observance of form or ceremony.

5. marked or excessive ceremoniousness.

6. an established order or method of proceeding.

   the formalities of judicial process.

7. a formal act or observance.

   Synonyms: ceremony, ritual, rite

8. something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette.

   the formality of a thank-you note.

formality

/ fɔːˈmælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc

2. the condition or quality of being formal or conventional

3. strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc

4. an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure

Word History and Origins

Origin of formality¹

From the Latin word fōrmālitās, dating back to 1525–35. See formal ¹, -ity

Example Sentences

Two months ago Liverpool's huge summer transfer spend looked like it had made the Premier League title a formality.

Read more on BBC

Hoping to avoid the formalities and greetings, I wait about five minutes before hauling my luggage and an overnight bag downstairs.

Read more on Literature

The Three Lions have qualified for eight consecutive World Cups since missing out on USA '94, with participation increasingly regarded as a formality by supporters - but that has not always been the case.

Read more on BBC

A lot of hedge fund managers spent time chitchatting with their investors and treated their quarterly letters to them as a formality.

Read more on Literature

Some books read like hardcover screenplays, so easily translated to the movies that publishing them first as a novel almost seems like an unnecessary formality.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• procedure 
• red tape 
• rite 
• ritual